To the Point: The United States Military Academy, 1802-1902

This volume goes beyond military personalities to cover the first 100 years of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Pappas focuses on the institution itself--describing how the Academy was formed and who its early leaders were. He tells us of the central role of Jonathan Williams and Sylvanus Thayer in ensuring that West Point would become both a military academy and a quality engineering school--despite many problems in its early years.

Emphasis is placed on descriptions of events found in letters and diaries of cadets, officers, and family members. Myths and legends about the Academy without any factual basis are thoroughly debunked. Pappas also recounts the development of the instructors, the curriculum, and the cadet; the importance of honor; the creation of a library; the role of discipline; daily exams and weekly academic reports; life in the barracks; Benny Haven's Tavern--these and many other vignettes of West Point are brought to life in an unparalleled writing style.

Including numerous photographs and maps, this book will both fascinate and teach. A must for all military historians, buffs, West Point graduates, and veterans.